MISSING his town's sevens was worth it for young rugby player Ryan Briggs.

The 18-year-old had won his way through to the final of Scotland's Young Butcher of the Year.

And despite being the youngest at the Perth final Ryan came away with the trophy.

The Jed Thistle player is an apprentice at AJ Learmonth in Jedburgh.

His boss Alan Learmonth told us: "The final consisted of boning, preparing, making products and displaying a leg of lamb, shoulder of pork, a chicken and finally a fleshy end of beef.

"Not only were the judges looking for knife skills but looking for innovative products, cleanliness of the work area and the quality of the final display.

"Ryan has only been in the trade for just over 2 years and has showed immense dedication in learning which has paid off especially considering he was up against a lot more experienced competition.

"To say we are pleased for him is an understatement, not only is it a massive achievement for him but for myself, the shop and Jedburgh."